We hear about it periodically, but how much should we focus on it today? Is it being sensationalized or down played? How does the average citizen know how to prepare for it? When will it occur and will it mutate into a human to human virus?
2006-06-13 09:38:38 · 9 answers · asked by e.rose@rogers.com 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
People are worrying about it too much. The bird flu is genetically designed for birds. Only a couple hundred people have died from bird flu out of the millions who have had it.
2006-06-13 09:42:45 · answer #1 · answered by DiRtAlLtHeWaY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 1918 influenza outbreak killed more people than have been killed in ANY war in history. It was proved to have been caused by a bird flu which had mutated to be able to be transmitted from person to person. It had a 25% fatality rate.
Any flu virus is highly susceptible to mutation. Avian Influenza H5N1 (today's bird flu) once was only able to be transmitted from bird to bird. It has already mutated to be transmitted from bird to human. Only a few (as little as one) mutations are needed to make the bird flu capable of person to person transmission. It WILL happen. It's only a matter of time.
In comparison to the 1918 flu pandemic, this flu has a 50% fatality rate. Think of the magnitude of the 1918 pandemic, killing more people worldwide than have ever been killed in any war (including WWII and the holocaust)...and just remember that it was only HALF as deadly as this one.
So my answer is no. People arent taking it seriously enough because they simply don't know the severity of the situation.
2006-06-13 23:51:07 · answer #2 · answered by nerd_at_heart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is incredibly sensationalized. The drug companies are getting hard ons just thinking about it. Interestingly enough, a mushroom called Agarikon has demonstrated profound antiviral activity aginst the H5N1 virus ("bird flu"). The department of defense's bioshield program is already using this one. New Chapter makes a product called Host Defense that contains this, and many other powerful immune allies.
2006-06-13 17:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by Djembe J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is being sensationalized. They make a big deal about the possibility that it MIGHT mutate and spread to humans. Is the government and pharmaceutical companies working to find a vaccine or cure? Of course. I won't worry about it until it actually mutates. Why not worry about a lizard mutating into Godzilla? I saw it in a movie, it must be something to really worry about,,,,
2006-06-13 16:43:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe Avian flu should be taken very seriously. It can occur anywhere because birds carry it and disperse it through their fluids and feces.
The number one rule for survival is to wash your hands frequently.
I suggest stockpiling Tamiflu ,water, canned goods,disinfectants for shoes and other surfaces as well as medicated wipes etc.; If the flu does come, 40% of the workforce will immediately dissipate, either through illness or non-attendance. Police, medical staff and health workers will be at greatest risk. The family of six who died in Indonesia recently may be the first occurence of human to human contagion altho the flu has already jumped species. ( Cats, dogs and stone marten in Europe.) The shift to a human rather than bird hazard will occur when someone with regular flu and someone with bird flu mix the genomes of their flus. This is called reassorting and means that the blended disease now can infect humans.
I wish I could agree with those who say it is all hype but the fact that they've slaughtered over 140 MILLION chickens and ducks in HongKong and other
areas of Asia and that the death rate among humans thus far is over 50% tends to make me very nervous. CIDRAP figures for last March cited 177 human infections and 98 dead in Asia and China, two-thirds of them in Indonesia and Vietnam. I have made it my business to investigate this flu. If you are the least bit apprehensive you should check it out too.
2006-06-13 19:51:35 · answer #5 · answered by hickcrazy1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, maybe too seriously. The media is quite willing to create a story where there is none yet. Hysteria = Ratings.
The average citizen needs to continue to practice good hygeine (wash your hands frequently) and avoid touching your face.
Who knows when..., but it most likely will mutate to human to human.
2006-06-13 16:47:12 · answer #6 · answered by Tumblefish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keeping your immune system strong will help you fight any type of virus.
2006-06-22 00:53:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do!have supplies on hand.buy rubber latex gloves and wipes with disinfectant.be careful where you go and what you come in contact with during an outbreak.
2006-06-13 16:44:05 · answer #8 · answered by WHAT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is no joke
http://andycaine.pandemic.hop.clickbank.net
boyscout or not be prepared
2006-06-22 14:31:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋